Manly Beach

Manly Beach featuring swimming, boating and a sandy beach
Manly Beach featuring a sandy beach and a coastal town
Manly Beach featuring a sandy beach, swimming and a coastal town
Manly Beach showing a city and street scenes as well as a small group of people
Manly Beach showing a coastal town, surfing and general coastal views


Resplendent with golden sandy beaches, crystal blue seas perfect for swimming and surfing, and the best bars, shopping and views around. Welcome to Manly Beach.

Manly Beach may sound like an odd name, but it was actually named after the rather attractive, virile indigenous people who were first encountered in the pioneering days of Australia. The beach itself has also been something of a pioneer, being one of the first resorts in Australia where people could swim and surf. Today, the location is better known as a salubrious Sydney suburb offering an idyllic lifestyle to natives and visitors alike. If you’re looking for some of the best historical architecture Australia has to offer, some of the best beaches in the world, exquisite dining, indulgent shopping, or a good healthy bush walk, Manly Beach has really got it all.

Ferries literally take visitors right up to the beach at Manly Cove, which is perfect for families as the waters are gentle perfect for leisurely swimming, fishing and sailing. Children will love to explore the rocky coves and pools in the cove. It’s also a perfect spot for picnic and something nice and chilled to drink.

If you are looking for more excitement on the water and you’re a surfing newbie, there are plenty of surf schools around the Manly Beach area that can teach you the art of catching a wave.

The suburb of Manly is full of quirky charm, yet not short on things to do. There are a number of ocean front pathways that are perfect for cycling. The Manly Art Gallery and Museum is packed with interesting exhibits, with a focus on work by local artists. North Head offers spectacular views over the entrance to Sydney Harbour.

If you’re travelling with children, there’s plenty to keep them occupied in the Manly Bay region as well. There are plenty of family-friendly play areas designed with children in mind in the area.

At night, there’s a great choice of upmarket pubs and restaurants offering delicious cuisine. For something a bit less formal, follow your nose to the Manly Fish Café where you can enjoy their irresistible fish and chips, reputed to be the best in the whole of Sydney, if not Australia.

Manly Wharf is a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. It can also be accessed by bus, and metered parking is available.

Reviews of Manly Beach

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
137
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
62
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
15
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

You can save money on the ferry across the harbour (and on other trips on public transport) using an Opal card. Great way to see the harbour by crossing on the ferry.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Walk along Manly beach to the quieter Shelley Beach - it is lovely!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A great ferry trip on the municipal ferry. Good food and ‘t’ shirts.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Pleasant ferry trip over , not easy to get the ticket but finally managed!. Very nice beach , strong currents though so no swimming on our visit. Sun beds for hire , Lots of eating places and somewhere to change. .

4/5 - Good

Julie

Try the Four Pines Micro Brewery!

5/5 - Excellent

Jane

Walk to Shelly Beach

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Manly Waves Studios & Apartments

Manly Waves Studios & Apartments

3.5 out of 5
46 Malvern Avenue, Manly, NSW
Manly Waves Studios & Apartments
Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection

Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection

4.5 out of 5
55 North Steyne, Manly, NSW
Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection
Lotus Stay Manly - Apartment 29A

Lotus Stay Manly - Apartment 29A

3 out of 5
29 Malvern Ave, 1, Manly, NSW
Lotus Stay Manly - Apartment 29A
Lotus Stay Manly - Apartment 31G

Lotus Stay Manly - Apartment 31G

3.5 out of 5
731, 31 Malvern Avenue, Manly, NSW
Lotus Stay Manly - Apartment 31G
Manly Bunkhouse - Hostel

Manly Bunkhouse - Hostel

2 out of 5
35 Pine St, Manly, NSW
Manly Bunkhouse - Hostel
Manly Paradise Motel & Apartments

Manly Paradise Motel & Apartments

3 out of 5
54 North Steyne, Manly, NSW
Manly Paradise Motel & Apartments
Stay at Hotel Steyne

Stay at Hotel Steyne

3.5 out of 5
75 The Corso, Manly, NSW
Stay at Hotel Steyne
Stoke Beach House - Hostel

Stoke Beach House - Hostel

1.5 out of 5
24-28 Raglan St, Manly, NSW
Stoke Beach House - Hostel
Peppers Manly Beach

Peppers Manly Beach

3 out of 5
8 South Steyne Manly, Manly, NSW
Peppers Manly Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Manly Beach

Manly Beach offers a plethora of activities for an unforgettable getaway, including exhilarating aquatic experiences and relaxing beach days. Visitors can explore local attractions such as the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary or take a scenic bike tour along the coastline. With its stunning views and vibrant atmosphere, Manly Beach is the perfect destination for a delightful beach escape in Sydney.

Shopping

For shopping in Manly Beach, visit Martin Place, a vibrant shopping centre with entertainment options, located 11.3km away. The Rocks Markets, also 11.3km away, offer a charming public market atmosphere. Centrepoint, 11.3km from Manly, features a variety of shops perfect for family and city vibes.

Recreation

At Brookvale Oval, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of local sports events. Enjoy a round of golf at Long Reef Golf Club, surrounded by stunning coastal views. For relaxation, take the scenic Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, where you can unwind amidst nature's beauty.

Adventure

At Manly Surf n Slide, located 1.4km from the beach, enjoy thrilling water slides and family-friendly fun. OZBobbles, 1.3km away, offers exhilarating water sports for outdoor enthusiasts. For a unique experience, visit Ben Buckler Point, 11.3km from Manly, perfect for underwater adventures.

Nightlife

Begin your evening at the Hayden Orpheum cinema, merely 6.4km from Manly Beach, for a romantic film experience. Then, enjoy a cultural performance at the Ensemble Theatre, located 9.7km away, or visit the Sydney Theatre Company, 11.3km from the beach, for an entertaining family night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Manly Beach

Manly Beach offers a delightful blend of attractions for every type of traveller. From the stunning beach and iconic landmarks to the picturesque harbour, visitors can immerse themselves in both culture and outdoor experiences. Whether you seek relaxation in the sun or a taste of local culture, Manly Beach provides an array of activities that promise to enhance your holiday in Sydney.

  • Sydney Opera House: A masterpiece of modern architecture, the Sydney Opera House is a must-visit for its stunning design and vibrant cultural atmosphere. Enjoy performances, guided tours, and the picturesque harbour views that surround this iconic landmark, located 9.7km from Manly Beach.
  • Circular Quay: This bustling harbour is the perfect spot to experience Sydney's beach and scenic vibes. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and indulge in various dining options while soaking in the breathtaking views, just 11.3km from Manly Beach.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: One of Australia's most famous structures, the Sydney Harbour Bridge offers a unique blend of history and culture. You can walk or climb for panoramic views of the harbour, making it an unforgettable experience, situated 9.7km away from Manly Beach.

Best time to go to Manly Beach

The best time to visit Manly Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Manly Beach falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Manly Beach falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.2°F (16.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
August57.2°F (14.0°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September61.2°F (16.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
December70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Manly Beach

For a budget-friendly trip to Manly Beach, consider visiting between May and July when accommodation prices are lower. Booking a month in advance can yield better rates, and checking Expedia's last-minute deals may also help you save. Mondays are the cheapest nights to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and location, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to look for discounts and special offers to maximise your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Manly Beach are May to July, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Manly Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Manly Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Manly Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at Manly Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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